malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
LOCALISED downpours since commencement of the rainy season have so far damaged 24 schools across six provinces, along with 102 houses and critical infrastructure at two clinics, the Department of Civil Protection has confirmed.
The Government has since activated all civil protection structures at national and local levels to respond to weather-related emergencies.
In its latest situation report, the department noted that rains had already caused massive destruction to property in some parts of the country.
“The 2024/2025 rainfall season has commenced and localised heavy downpours have been experienced in some parts of the country,” reads the report.
“Damage to houses and schools have been reported since the onset of the rainfall season.”
In Masvingo, the report says, two people were marooned on Mucheke River following heavy rains on November 6.
Police and Masvingo City Council officials safely rescued the two.
“Meanwhile, in Runyararo West, Davis Mugabe Street, five houses were flooded when rains got inside, resulting in property, food and medicines being affected.
“Notably, these households get affected each time the area receives some rains.
“The key contributing factor is that they built their houses on a wetland and near a stream.”
In Umguza district, isolated downpours and strong winds on November 6 caused extensive damage to schools, clinics and houses in wards 1, 3 and 17.
At Mthombothemba Primary School in Ward 1, the storm tore off the roofs of seven classrooms, two teachers’ cottages and the school’s perimeter fence.
Ngazini Primary School also suffered severe damage, with two classroom blocks collapsing due to the violent storm.
No injuries were reported but the damage left more than 20 houses without roofs in Ward 17, with further assessments of the area still ongoing.
Meanwhile, in Manicaland province’s Nyagundi Ward 34, lightning struck a round hut, affecting seven family members and destroying household goods and food.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter